Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

The traditional Ramstedt pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is performed through a very small incision. It has an excellent track record and is associated with rapid recovery and very low complication rate. Thus this procedure seems, at first glance, an unlikely one to be performed laparoscopically. An informal poll of recent graduates of pediatrie surgery programs, however, reveals that most preferred the laparoscopic rather than the open approach, as noted later in this chapter. Here we explore the role of minimal-access surgery in this common pediatrie surgical procedure, and give tips for both the open and laparoscopic approach.